Hi, I'm Nellwyn!

Jun 10 Pho Hung Vermicelli Bowls

When I was a kid living in a small town I looked forward to my family's frequent trips to Toronto for all kinds of reasons. Visits with extended family, trips to the island, and all sorts of restaurants with foods from around the world that we couldn't get at home.

Is it any surprise I ended up moving here?

One of the restaurants I used to look forward to visiting most was Pho Hung for Vietnamese cuisine. Since living here in the city I've taken its proximity for granted and haven't been to my old favourite in ages. Eager to remedy my neglect, I headed to Spadina and Dundas to rediscover an old classic.

The food is cheap, simple, and delicious. Just fill out your order card, place it on the edge of your table, and your order will appear within mere minutes.

We start with cold shrimp spring rolls wrapped in rice paper with peanut dipping sauce, and lots and lots of tea!

Pho Hung is the perfect place to order Pho Soup. The traditional Vietnamese dish full of noodles and rare beef swimming in rich broth has become a staple with urban hipsters from Vancouver to Montreal, and this is the best place in Toronto to get it!

Although the soup is always a winner, I crave Pho Hung's Vermicelli Bowls more than anything! Piles of rice noodles on top of fresh sprouts and greens form the foundation of these dishes and there are plenty of topping combinations to chose from.

Above we have the Number 24. This bowl is topped with beef wrapped in mint leaves, a sliced shrimp patty, and a stick of sugar cane. All garnished with chopped peanuts. Drizzle on some sriracha, hoisen, or secret vermicelli sauce and dig in!

This is my ultimate favourite: Number 19A. This is what I've ordered on 99% of my trips to Pho Hung since I was 13 years old. A vermicelli bowl topped with grilled curried chicken and a crispy deep-fried spring roll. Like the other vermicelli bowl this baby is garnished with chopped peanuts, pickled veggies, and green onion. Every once in a while I switch it up and get the Number 19 which comes with beef instead of chicken. It's equally delicious, but I always go back to the chicken: my first love.

Pho Hung may look quite nondescript and doesn't have much in the way of trendy décor, but its plain exterior is hiding a culinary gem!